WO2013045279A1

WO2013045279A1 - Sorting installation and sorting method for jointly sorting different kinds of articles

Info

Publication number: WO2013045279A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/067943
Authority: WO
Inventors: Holger Schererz; Rolf-Peter Skrdlant; Frank Voss
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2011-09-28
Filing date: 2012-09-13
Publication date: 2013-04-04
Also published as: DE102011083580A1; US20140236345A1; EP2741867B1; US9108224B2; EP2741867A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sorting installation and a sorting method for jointly sorting two kinds of articles, particularly for two kinds of flat mail items. For each article to be sorted, the value that a prescribed sorting feature assumes for this article is measured. The article is transported by a first transport device (TE.1) to a separating filter (W.1). An article of the first article kind is redirected in a first outward-transfer device (Aus.1). On the basis of the ascertained sorting feature value, one sorting output from a first set (SM.1) of sorting outputs is selected if the sorting feature value has been ascertained in timely fashion. The article is transferred outward to the selected sorting output from the first sorting output set (SM.1). An article of the second article kind is redirected to a second transport device (TE.2) and transported by the latter to a second outward-transfer device (Aus.2). On the basis of the ascertained sorting feature value, one sorting output from a second set (SM.2) of sorting outputs is selected if the sorting feature value has been ascertained in timely fashion. The article is transferred outward to the selected sorting output from the second sorting output set (SM.2).

Description

description

Sorting system and sorting method for the common sorting of various objects

The invention relates to a sorting system and a sorting method for jointly sorting two types of articles, in particular for two types of flat postal items.

The subsequently published DE 102011076909 A1 describes a method and a device for processing articles, in particular flat mailpieces. For each item, it is measured what value a given sorting feature assumes for that item. It is decided whether the item belongs to a first item type or to a second item type. A first

Outfeed means discharges each item of the first item type into a sort output of the first sort output quantity. An article of the second article type is transported past the first discharge device and to a second discharge device. The second ejection device discharges the object into a sorting output of a second sorting output set. An image of an article of the second article type is evaluated to decipher a string on the surface, e.g. B. an identification of a destination address for a mailing. An item of the first item type is placed in a predetermined orientation.

DE 10146842 A1 describes a method and a device for printing flat postal items. Fig. 1 shows the transport of a postal item 10 from right to left. A first camera 30 captures graphical features from a surface of the mailpiece 10. For example, an image of a postage stamp is compared to reference images in a postage stamp database. Sub-format postal items are rejected. A rotating device 40 is able to turn a mail item 10 and / or to turn. A second camera 50 detects positions of graphic elements on the surface of the mailpiece 10. A printing device 60 prints on the mailpiece 10 and uses measurement results from the second camera 50 to position the print. Subsequently, the mail item is forwarded in one of the directions "reject", large letter ("GBf-maxi") and small letter ("KBf"), see Fig. 1. In EP 1872867 Al a sorting system 2 for sorting flat mail items is described. A pre-sorting device 4 sorts out all postal items 24 that are not standard letters, and a singulator 6 separates the mailpieces such that the postal items 24 pass through the sorting system 2 at a distance from one another and in an upright position

Transport strand 26 with two drives 44, 54 transports the mail items to an alignment unit 10, which aligns the upright mail pieces 24 at their lower edges, and then to a reading device 30. This reading device 30 reads the address and / or a bar code on the mail piece 24. An image capture device 32 generates a computer-accessible image from both surfaces of the mailpiece 24. Subsequently, the mail items 24 are directed in a first plant operating mode into a transport sub-string 36. This transport sub-string 36 leads to an alignment means 12, which brings mailings 24 in a uniform orientation, for. B. so that the stamp is placed in front and upside down. A module 14 invalidates the stamp. All mail items 24 arrive on a transport line 26 to an approximately 50 m long delay transport path 16, along which the mailpieces are transported, so that sufficient time remains available for deciphering the address on the mailpiece. A module 18 prints a barcode on mailpieces 24 having addresses that are not completely machine-readable. A module 20 prints a sticker with a forwarding address if necessary. A splitting device 22 distributes the mail pieces 24 according to their addresses to containers, e.g. B. 100 postal codes per container. In another system operating mode in EP 1872867 AI, prepared mail items 24 are fed to the sorting installation 2 by means of a second sorter 8. These prepared mail items are already aligned uniformly and each provided with a fee stamp. These prepared mail items 24 are then deflected by means of a switch 34 into a bypass 36 with a transport sub-string 38. This bypass 36 leads past the transport sub-strand 42 with the modules 12, 14 and ends before the deceleration transport section 16 again into the transport line 26. In one embodiment, two sort runs are performed. In the second sorting run, the mailpieces 24 are aligned uniformly and orientated to the sorting system 2 again. Therefore, in the second sorting run, the mail items 24 are directed by means of a second switch 46 to a second bypass 48 having a transport sub-string 50. This transport sub-strand 50 leads from the reading device 30 directly to the splitting device 22. DE 3821106 A1 describes a device which

Can turn and stamp mail. The mail items 1 are removed from a magazine 6 by means of a feed device 7 and guided in a horizontal position past detectors 9a, 9b which scan the upper or the lower side of a mail item 1. A switch 10 directs a mail item 1 either to a web 12 where the mail item is turned or to a web 11 where the mail item 1 is not turned. On a web 13, in which the webs 11, 12 open, the mail item 1 is guided past a stamp unit 14 with two punch devices 14a, 14b. The stamped mailpieces 1 are distributed by means of a switch 15 on two stacking devices 16a, 16b. The detector 9 detects the location and the writing direction of address blocks. Depending on the position of the address blocks, the mailpieces are turned or not and, depending on this position, are split between the two stacking devices 16a, 16b. DE 10 2008 056 904 A1 describes a method and a device for printing a mail item. A conveyor clamps each item of mail to be printed in an upright position between two endless conveyor belts 3, 4. This leaves an upper area on the surface of the mail item above the endless conveyor belts 3, 4 and a lower area below the endless conveyor belts 3, 4 free. A first printer 1 is able to print a print on the upper area of the surface, a second printer 2 a print on the lower area. As a result, the item of mail can be provided with two imprints at different positions in a single transport process.

FR 2915013 A1 and US 2010/0231626 A1 describe a device for devaluing mailpieces ("appareil d'obliteration") A mail item is printed while it is being transported upright Fig. 2 shows an arrangement with several superposed conveyor belts ("cour- ries 5A, 5D") defining four strip-shaped free zones 9A to 9B. Four print heads ("tete d'impression 6A - 6D") are able to imprint prints in these free zones 9A - 9D Before printing, a camera ("camera numerique 3") takes an image and a sensor ("capteur de passage 4 ") picks up an image of the mailpiece.

EP 0654309 B1 describes a "mail accumulating device." This device pushes mailpieces together so that the mailpieces at least partially overlap.

In US 5,959,288 a sorting system is described, which is able to sort mail items of different sizes. These mail items pass through the sorting system as a sequence of spaced-apart mailpieces. The sorting system distributes the mailpieces to different output units. The object of the invention is to provide a sorting system and a sorting method for jointly sorting two types of articles according to a sorting feature, in which the respective sorting feature value is recognized in good time for as many articles as possible, and also the risk of damage due to transporting is reduced.

The object is achieved by a sorting system having the features of claim 1 and a sorting method having the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The sorting system according to the solution sorts objects of a first article type together with articles of a second article type according to a predetermined sorting feature. The objects of the second object type differ from the objects of the first object type by at least one physical parameter, e.g. Example, in that for each item of the second item type, the value of the parameter falls within a predetermined range of values and not for an item of the first item type. This parameter is usually not the sorting feature. The parameter is z. Example, a dimension, the weight, a surface texture or the bending stiffness of an item to be sorted. The sorting step includes the process of dividing the items to be sorted into sorting outputs depending on their sorting feature values. The sorting plant according to the invention comprises

a first transport device capable of transporting both all items of the first item type to be sorted and items of the second item type,

a second transport facility, the objects of

second kind of object, but not necessarily all objects of the first type of object to be sorted, - a diverter with at least one entrance and at least two exits,

a first set of sorting outputs, each capable of receiving at least one article of the first article type,

a second set of sorting outlets each capable of receiving at least one article of the second article type,

- a first ejection facility, the objects of

first item type into the sorting outputs of the first

Sorting output quantity can be discharged,

a second discharge device which is able to discharge articles of the second article type into sorting outputs of the second sorting output quantity, and

a measuring device which can measure or otherwise determine which value the predetermined sorting feature assumes for an item to be sorted.

The first transport device leads to the entrance of the switch. In one output of the switch begins the first discharge device. In the other output of the switch starts the second transport device. The second transport device opens into the second discharge device. For each item to be sorted, the following steps are performed after the item has been delivered to the sorting system:

- The meter determines what value the default sorting feature for this item will take.

The meter determines whether the item is of the first item type or the second item type.

- The first transport device transports the object to the switch. The sorting system is designed so that when an object to be sorted reaches the switch, it is known whether that item belongs to the first item type or the second item type. For each item of the first item type, the following steps are performed:

- The switch steers the object into the first discharge device.

The first discharge device transports the object further.

Then, when the meter has timely determined the sorting feature value of this item of the first item type, the following steps are performed:

The selection unit automatically selects a sorting output of the first sorting output quantity, depending on the ascertained sorting feature value of this item. - The first ejection device ejects the object into the selected sorting output.

For each item of the second item type, the following steps are performed:

- The switch steers the object in the second transport device.

- The second transport device transports the object further and thereby to the second discharge device.

Then, when the meter has timely determined the sorting feature value of this item of the second item type, the following steps are performed:

- Automatically a sorting output is selected, depending on the determined sorting feature value.

If the selected sorting output belongs to the second sorting output quantity, the second transporting device transports the article to the second one

Outfeed device, and the second outfeed device discharges the object into the selected sorting output of the second sorting output set. An object of the first article type is transported through the first transport device to the first discharge device and discharged from the first discharge device. An article of the second article type is transferred from the first transport device and then from the second transport device to the second

Outfeed device transported - or at least over a part of the second transport device away. Therefore, an item of the second item type is always transported over a longer distance than an item of the first item type.

This longer transport carries a greater risk of damaging the article during transport on the way to the selected sorting exit due to transportation. To take this into account, can be done thanks to the invention, the determination of the types of objects so that sensitive, z. For example, larger, items of the first item type and transported only over a shorter distance, while less sensitive items belong to the second item type and can be transported over a longer distance without being damaged. Because an item of the second item type is transported over a longer distance than an item of the first item type, there is more time available for the meter to detect the sort feature value of that item of the second item type. The knowledge of the sort feature value is needed to select a sort output. Therefore, less frequently or not at all the case occurs that the meter is not able to deliver the sorting feature value in time. The sorting feature value is required in good time so that the respective outfeed device can eject the object into the selected sorting output. The invention makes it possible that each transport device and each discharge device always transports the articles in the same transport direction and does not have to make a reversal of direction if a sorting feature value is not available on time. Such a reversal of direction would be associated with a high mechanical load on an item to be sorted and often significantly reduces throughput. The following design parameters can be changed to adapt the sorting system according to the solution to the current requirements:

the arrangement and design of those components of the sorting installation which specify when a sorting feature value is determined in good time and when not,

the number and the arrangement of sorting outputs of the first sorting output quantity,

the number and the arrangement of the sorting outputs of the second sorting output quantity,

the length and transport speed of the first transport device,

- the length and the transport speed of the second

Transport facility. The invention makes it possible to perform a sorting of objects of the first article type according to a first sorting program and a sorting of articles of the second article type according to a second sorting program in overlapping time or even simultaneously on the sorting system according to the solution. Each sorting program uses a sorting plan, which assigns a sorting output to each occurring sorting feature value.

In one embodiment, a first time period is specified or determined which elapses at most between the following two events: - The meter has determined the value that the sorting feature assumes for an article of the first item type to be sorted.

The first discharge device is in an operating state in which the first discharge device discharges this object into the selected sorting output, the selection of the sorting output being dependent on the determined sorting feature value. To the first

For example, a reject diverter has been diverted to the correct position.

Accordingly, a second maximum period of time for articles of the second article type and for the second

Outfeed facility specified or determined.

In this embodiment, the measuring device has timely determined the sorting feature value of an article of the first article type if, after the time at which the measuring device has completed the determination, at least the first maximum time period is still available, around the first rejection Device to the outfeed operating state concerning the selected sorting output. The measuring device thus has available for determining the complete time required to transport the object along the first transport device to the switch, as well as that discharge period, which requires the first discharge device to the object to the to transport the selected sorting output minus the first maximum period of time. The rejection period may differ from the sorting output to the sorting output.

The measuring device has timely determined the sorting feature value of an object of the second article type if at least the second maximum time span is still available after the time at which the measuring device has completed the determination in order to obtain the second rejection device in the discharge operating state regarding the selected one Sorting output of the second sorting outputs set. Thus, the measuring device has available for determining the complete time required to transport the object along the first transport device to the switch and then along the second transport device to the second discharge device, as well as that discharge period that requires the second ejection device to transport the article to the selected sorting exit, minus the second maximum period of time. This rejection period may also differ from sorting output to sorting output.

In another embodiment, the measuring device has only timely determined the sorting feature value of an item of the first article type if the determination is completed at the latest when the article reaches the first discharge device. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the measuring device has only timely determined the sorting feature value of an article of the second article type if the determination is completed at the latest when the article reaches the second rejection device.

In one embodiment, some or even all sorting outputs of the first sorting output set are capable of accommodating both items of the first item type and items of the second item type. For example, the sorting outputs of the first sorting output set are larger than the sorting outputs of the second sorting output set, and the items of the second item type are smaller than the items of the first item type. The second sorting outputs set consists of more sorting outputs than the first sorting outputs set. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the sorting system usually has to sort more articles of the second article type than articles of the first article type. This embodiment with different numbers and different sized sorting outputs saves space and sorting. In a further development of this embodiment, the sorting system comprises a further transport device. This further transport device is capable of sorting articles of the second article type to be sorted by the second transport device - or by the second discharge device - back to the first discharge device. This makes it possible for an object of the second article type to be removed from the first ejection device into a previously selected sorting output of the first sorting output set. This embodiment is z. B. advantageous if individual sorting outputs of the second sorting outputs amount are temporarily not available. This refinement furthermore makes it possible to associate only one sorting output of the second sorting output quantity with certain sorting feature values and only one sorting output of the first sorting output quantity in each case with respect to other sorting feature values. This embodiment thus saves sorting outputs of the second sorting outputs quantity. The embodiment is particularly advantageous if some sorting feature values are accepted only by a few items of the second item type.

In one embodiment, the sorting system has at least one identification device, z. This labeling device is able to provide an item to be sorted with an identification of the ascertained sorting feature value, for example in the form of a bar code ("bar code"). Or, the tagging device provides the item with a unique identifier ("identifier, ID code") .In one embodiment, the sorting system has a single tagging device for both types of items, and this tagging device is then upstream of the switch arranged to print objects of both types of objects can.

In another embodiment, the sorting system has a first identification device for articles of the first Item Type and Second Identification Device for Second Item Type Items. The article identification device of the first article type is preferably arranged in or on the first discharge device. The item-item identification device is preferably disposed in or on the second transport device or in or on the second discharge device. In both embodiments, the or each tagging device may provide an item to be sorted with an identification of the measured sorting feature value only if that sorting feature value has been determined when the item has been tagged during its transport. Position has reached, in which the marking device can provide the object with the label. Therefore, in this embodiment, the meter has determined the sorting feature value of an item to be sorted in time only when the sorting feature value is present as soon as the item has reached the tagging position.

In one embodiment, the sorting system has at least one special sorting output. It is possible that the first

Outfeed device is able to eject an item to be sorted into a first special sorting output, and the second ejection device is capable of sorting an item to be sorted into a second special sorting output. It is also possible that the sorting system has only one special sorting output for both article types and additionally a further transport device, which leads from the second transport device to the first discharge device.

An item is then dumped into a special sorting output if its sorting feature value has not been determined on time. In the embodiment just described, with the at least one sort feature value identifier, the sort feature value is legal. determined when the sorting feature value is present at the latest when the object is in a marking position and can be provided by the marking device with an identification. Otherwise, the item is rejected in a special sorting output.

In a combination of these two embodiments, the or a tagging device provides an item with a unique identifier ("identifier") if the sorting feature value has not been timely determined, ie, is not present when the tagging position is reached The identifier is therefore unique, while the identifier of the determined sorting feature value is not unique, because several items to be sorted can have the same sorting feature value The sorting feature value of the rejected item is determined "off-line" while the item is being buffered. The determined sorting feature value is stored in association with the unique identifier. At a later point in time, the item is again fed to the sorting system according to the invention. The unique identifier is read, and the stored sorting feature value is used as the sorting feature value of that item. The item with the unique identifier is preferably sorted together with other items whose sorting feature values have not yet been determined.

In a preferred embodiment, an order is specified among the sorting feature values, e.g. At least among those values actually accepted by at least one item to be sorted. The items of the first item type are sorted according to this order. A sequence of articles of the first article type is produced in each sorting exit of the first sorting exit set. The respective sequence of objects in each sorting output is made according to the predetermined order of values. The distribution of the items on the sorting exits also depends on the order, in addition a predetermined sequence is used among the sorting outputs of the first sorting outputs quantity. Preferably, several sorting runs are carried out for the articles of the first article type. As a result, the sorting system needs to have fewer sorting outputs for items of the first item type to be sorted than these items have different sorting feature values. Because fewer sorting outputs are required, it is possible to make the sorting system smaller, so that the sorting system requires less floor space ("footprint").

It is also possible to sort the articles of the second article type in two sort runs according to this value order. However, it is also possible to divide in advance the possible sorting feature values into groups, so that each group consists of at least one sorting feature value. Each group is assigned at least one sorting output of the second sorting output quantity. In a sorting run, the objects of the second article type are distributed to the sorting outputs of the second sorting exit set such that each article is discharged in the sorting exit associated with the sorting feature value or the group of this object.

In one embodiment, the same measuring device can determine, for both an article of the first article type and for an article of the second article type, which value the sorting feature assumes for this article. In another embodiment, a first measuring device supplies the determined sorting feature value at least for each article of the first article type. A second measuring device supplies the ascertained sorting feature value at least for each article of the second article type. From the determination results of both measuring devices, a determined sorting feature value is formed for each object. In one embodiment, a further transport device from the second transport device leads to a junction parts in the first discharge device. Objects of the second article type can be transported to the first discharge device via this further transport device.

In a further development of this embodiment, the objects to be sorted are subdivided in advance into objects of the first article type and articles of the second article type. First, the sorting system then sorts all the items of one item type and then all the items of the other item type, not the items mixed. This configuration with the division saves the need to have to mix in the confluence objects of two types of objects regulated ("merging").

In one embodiment, both the first transport device and the second transport device transport the objects to be sorted so that each article is permanently grasped during transport. As a result, during sorting, for each time point and for each item, the location in the sorting system at which this item is located at that time can be predicted. For example, a sequence of endless conveyor belts transports the objects without a slip point.

In one embodiment, each item to be sorted extends in each one item level. Each object is transported in an upright position, ie with a vertical object plane. At any point during transport, two endless conveyor belts clamp the object between them and transport it.

In one embodiment, each item to be sorted is provided with characters. The step of determining the sorting feature value of an item to be sorted comprises the step of determining at least some of these characters. The Signs on an object indicate z. A destination to which the item is to be transported, or describe a property of that item or together form an identifier of an item.

In another embodiment, several classes of objects are given. Each class is a sorting feature value. The step of determining the sorting feature value of an item to be sorted comprises the step of determining to which class that item belongs.

In the following the invention will be described with reference to an embodiment. Showing:

Fig. 1, the sorting system of the embodiment schematically in plan view.

In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used to sort flat mail items (standard letters, large letters, magazines, and possibly flat packets). Each item of mail is provided either with an identification of the destination to which this item of mail is to be transported. This marking includes z. For example, the name of a recipient and a postal address (street and house number or PO box number or parcel compartment number and postal code or ZIP code and location) or a determination of a location on the earth's surface by specifying geographic coordinates. It is also possible that a plurality of similar and non-addressed mail items as well as an address list are transported or transmitted to a sorting system and the sorting system prints each not yet addressed mail item with one address each from the address list.

Each mail item extends in an article plane and has a length, a height, and a thickness. The thickness is the dimension perpendicular to the object plane. In the exemplary embodiment, a distinction is made between two types of postal items, namely standard letters (in the USA: "letters") and large letters (in the USA: "flats"). The large letters function as the items of the first item type to be sorted, the standard letters as the items of the second item type to be sorted. If the maximum dimension of an article is below a length barrier, the thickness is below a thickness barrier, and in one embodiment the weight is below a weight barrier, then a mailpiece is processed as a standard letter, otherwise as a large letter.

The sorting system comprises in the exemplary embodiment the following components, which are shown schematically in FIG. 1:

at least one feeding device ZE ("feeder") with a singular ver ("singulator"),

two bar code scanners BCS.l, BCS.2,

- two cameras Ka.l, Ka.2,

a data processing image evaluation unit (BAE),

a system of transport facilities with a first transport device TE .1, a second transport device TE .2 and a further transport device TE. w,

a first rejection device Aus .1 for large letters,

a second rejection facility Aus .2 for standard letters,

a set SM.l of large letter sorting outputs,

a set SM.2 of standard letter sorting outputs,

- a standard letter printer Dr .2,

- a large letter printer Dr .1,

a data processing selection unit AE,

a data processing control unit SE,

a non-illustrated large letter special sorting exit, in one embodiment a standard letter special sorting exit, not shown. Several arrows indicate in FIG. 1 the respective transport direction into which a component of the sorting system transports mailpieces. In the exemplary embodiment, the two transport devices TE .1, TE .2, transport the further transport device TE.w and the two discharge

Aus.l, Aus .2 the respectively supplied mail always in the same direction of transport. In the exemplary embodiment, each item of mail is transported upright and without slippage and thereby always clamped between each two endless conveyor belts. The mailpieces are thus transported by a cover belt conveyor ("pinch belt conveyor system").

A stack St of mail items is sent to the feeder ZE. The sizzle Ver singles the flat mail items of the stack St. A stream of upright transported mail leaves the Vereinzeier Ver dergestalt that between two consecutive mail a distance ("gap") occurs and the longitudinal axis of the mail item horizontally is arranged.

In one embodiment, the sorting system has a universal feeder ZE with a universal inserter Ver, which is able to separate both types of mailpieces. Fig. 1 shows this embodiment. In another embodiment, two different feeding devices operate in parallel. A standard letter feeder is able to separate standard letters with a higher throughput rate and to separate no large letters for it. A large letter feeder is able to separate large letters and standard letters, but with a lower throughput rate.

The two bar code scanners

BCS .1, BCS .2 check whether a mail item has already been bar-coded or not.

This bar pattern was printed in a previous sorting process. Such a bar pattern is either an encoding of a sorting feature value (here: a destination point value). If there is a bar pattern, the bar pattern is decoded, and a decoded coding of a destination tag provides the sort feature value, thereby determining the sort feature value and This sorting feature value determined by the decoding is used in the further course of sorting, but if the mail item is provided with a unique identifier, this means that the sorting feature value has previously been "off-line". has been determined and the mail subsequently goes through the sorting system again. In a data memory, the unique identifier is stored in connection with the determined sorting feature value. A query with the unique identifier is directed to this database. In response to the search query, the stored sorting feature value is delivered. This delivered sorting feature value is used as the sorting feature value of the mailing in further sorting.

Each mail item is transported upright between the two cameras Ka.l, Ka.2. The cameras Ka .1, Ka .2 generate from each surface of the flat mail each a computer-analyzable image. One of these images shows the destination marking of the item of mail. Initially, the image evaluation unit BAE automatically attempts to decode this target point identification by means of "optical character recognition" (OCR) This automatic determination requires computation time If this is unsuccessful, an attempt is made to decipher the target point identification by "video coding" , The image of the mail piece which shows the destination marking is displayed on a screen device. An editor reads the destination mark in the displayed image and at least partially enters it into a data collection device, e.g. B. by means of a keyboard or by voice. In one embodiment, the image evaluation unit BAE then attempts, on the basis of the input, the Address in a second attempt now automatically and completely by OCR to decipher ("OCR retry").

A distinction is made between "on-line video coding" and "off-line video coding". In "on-line video coding", the mail item remains in the system of transport facilities while the destination point identification is read and entered, and preferably the mail item is permanently transported during the collection period so that it is always known where the It is not absolutely necessary to provide the item of mail with an individual identifier ("identifier"). If a detection does not succeed until a predetermined point in time, the item of mail is ejected and thus removed from the processing operation. Only after the destination marking of the temporarily stored postal item has been deciphered is the item of mail again introduced into the processing operation, specifically by means of the delivery device ZE. This procedure is called "off-line video coding".

The image evaluation unit BAE also determines whether a mailpiece is a standard letter or a large letter. For this purpose, the image evaluation unit BAE evaluates an image of the mailpiece and determines the length and height of the mailpiece. It is possible that the mail item is additionally weighed and the decision additionally depends on the weight. In one embodiment, in addition, the thickness of each mail item is measured. Which physical parameters are actually measured depends on the definition of a standard letter and on the realized design of the sorting plant and in particular the sorting outputs. The cameras Ka .1, Ka .2 are arranged downstream of the feeding device ZE, so that the image evaluating unit BAE evaluates images of individual mailpieces, which leads to much better results than in the case of still stacked mailpieces. The Determining whether a mailpiece is a large letter or a standard letter, is in any case, when the post reaches the switch Wl.

5 The design with two cameras Ka.l, Ka .2 opposite saves the necessity of having to orient the mailpieces to be sorted in advance. That surface of the upright transported postal item, which shows the destination point marking, can - as seen in the transit direction of the port - point to the left or to the right. In a

Variation is saved a camera. The sorting system has only a single camera. This requires prior orientation of the mailpieces so that the target point tagging surface always points to that single camera 15.

The selection unit AE automatically selects a sorting output for each mail item to be sorted, depending on the ascertained sorting feature value (in this case: on the destination item identifier)

20 off. The selection of a sorting output for a mailing presupposes that the sorting feature value (here: destination marking) of the mailpiece has been determined. The selection unit AE employs a computer-evaluable sorting plan, which assigns a respective sorting feature value to each occurring sorting feature value

25 sorting output assigns. If the mailpiece is a standard letter, the selection unit AE selects a standard letter sorting output, otherwise a large letter sorting output. Exceptions to this are described. In one embodiment, the selection unit AE applies a standard

30 dardbrief sorting plan for standard letters and a large letter sorting plan for large letters. The standard letter sorting plan assigns a sorting output of the standard letter sorting output set SM.2 to each sorting feature value occurring, and the large-letter sorting plan assigns a sorting output of the large-letter sorting

35 sorting outputs quantity SM.l.

If the target point identification could not be determined in time, the selection unit AE selects a special Sorting output off. In one embodiment, misaligned mailpieces are rejected, properly oriented, and returned to the correct orientation. In the exemplary embodiment, the standard letter sorting outputs are distributed over two levels. Approximately 60 to 80 standard letter sorting exits are arranged in each level so that the sorting system has a total of approximately 120 to 160 standard letter sorting outputs. Each standard letter sorting exit is designed as a tray and can accommodate a stack of upright standard letters. This stack grows with each additional standard letter removed. The standard letter sorting exits are so small that they can only accept standard letters, but no large letters. As a result, the standard letter sorting outputs occupy significantly less footprint than a set of universal sorting outputs.The dimensions of the standard letter sorting outputs determine which mail items to be sorted are treated as standard letters and which as large letters.

In a preferred embodiment, which is indicated in Fig. 1, the standard letter sorting outputs are arranged in two superimposed rows. In another embodiment, there are even two rows of each level

Standard letter sorting exits arranged "back to back" so that one half of the standard letter sorting exits is accessible from one side and the other half is accessible from the other side.

Each large letter sorting output is capable of receiving a plurality of mailpieces, in particular each large letter up to a predetermined maximum size and also each standard letter. A large letter sorting exit therefore occupies more space than a standard letter sorting exit. The z. B. 45 to 70 large letter sorting exits are preferably arranged in a single plane, in such a way that they are well and ergonomically accessible from the outside. In one embodiment, a large letter sorting exit is also designed as a compartment and is able to receive a stack of flat mailpieces. In another embodiment, a large letter sorting exit comprises a replaceable container and a storage space for such a container. In this container, a stack of lying mail items is generated in the course of sorting. The selection unit AE selects a large letter sorting output by selecting a discharge position above this container or also next to this container. The mail item is transported to this selected ejection position and then released. The released mail item slides from the outward ejection position into the container that has been opened upwards or is pushed laterally into the container. The container is either on a stationary support surface below the discharge position or on a certain portion of a horizontal conveyor belt, which removes filled containers. In one embodiment, empty containers are transported on this horizontal conveyor belt.

Each discharge device Aus.l, Aus .2 has in the exemplary embodiment a main transport path and one ejection component per sorting output, for. B. a Ausschleusweiche. The reject component of a selected sort output directs a mail item from the main transport path into that selected sort output. The system of transport facilities and the discharge facilities Aus.l, Aus .2 comprise a system of endless conveyor belts and other conveyor elements. Each endless conveyor belt is guided around at least two rollers or shafts, which are rotatable about vertical axes of rotation. A roll is driven under control. A mail item is clamped between each two endless conveyor belts and transported upright. At least one photocell measures whether a light beam from the photocell Transmission is interrupted or not. This light beam is transmitted through a gap between two endless conveyor belts. The signals of the at least one light barrier and the known or measured transport speed can be used to determine the current position of each mail item at any time.

Downstream of the supply device ZE or the supply devices, the first transport device TE .1 is initially arranged. In the case of several parallel feeding devices, all the feeding devices open into the first transporting device TE .1. The first transport device TE .1 transports both the isolated large letters and the occasional standard letters between the two cameras Ka .1, Ka .2 through to the entrance of the switch W.l.

At the latest when the item of mail has reached the point Wl, the automatic decision is made as to whether the item of mail is a standard letter or a large letter. In an output of the switch Wl, the second transport device TE .2 begins for standard letters, in the other exit the large letter-Ausschleus-device Aus .1 for large letters. The switch Wl redirects a standard letter to the second transport device TE .2, a large letter to the large letter reject device Aus .2. In the exemplary embodiment, a large letter is led around a large roller which sits on a vertical shaft and, after this reversal of direction, is fed through 180 ° into the large letter rejection device Aus .1. In one embodiment, when a mail item has reached an outfeed device Aus.l, Aus .2, it must be clear in which sorting output this mail item is to be ejected. Therefore, the target point identification of a large letter must be deciphered when the large letter has reached the switch Wl. For a standard letter, more time is available to determine the sorting feature value, namely at least the time span in which the standard letter is long of the second transport device TE .2 is transported.

The selection unit AE then selects a large letter sorting output for a large letter if the measurement result (here: the deciphered target point marking) is available when the large letter has reached the switch W.sub.1, otherwise a special sorting output. Which large letter sorting output the selection unit AE selects depends on the result of the decoding. The destination marking of the item of mail that is ejected into or into a special sorting exit is then deciphered by "off-line video coding", and these items of mail are later returned to the sorting system.

In a preferred embodiment, it is sufficient if the sorting feature value of a mailpiece is available in good time before the mailpiece has reached the rejection component of the sorting output into which the mailpiece is to be ejected. In this embodiment, therefore, more time is available.

The switch Wl redirects a standard letter into the second transport device TE .2. This second transport device TE .2 transports only standard letters and can therefore be cut to standard letters, especially in the design of conveyor belts, rollers and other conveying elements. The second transport device TE .2 is additionally configured as a delay line and designed in a meandering manner, see Fig. 1. The delay line transports a standard letter over an extended period of time Standard letters, the entire transport path is available from the cameras Ka.l, Ka.2 to the standard letter rejection device Aus.2 The meander-shaped design results in a long transport time at constant transport speed and small footprint a standard letter must be ner embodiment be deciphered when the standard letter reaches the standard letter-Ausschleus device Aus .2. Because of the longer transport time, this is achieved for almost all standard letters. In one embodiment, the sorting equipment nevertheless has a special sorting output for standard letters whose destination point identification could not be decoded in time.

In the preferred embodiment, there is still time available to determine the sorting feature value in which the standard letter is transported by the standard letter rejection device Aus .2.

The selection unit AE selects a standard letter sorting output or the special sorting output. The standard letter rejection facility Aus .1 exports the standard letter to the selected standard letter sorting exit. This is done in succession for each standard letter so that a stack of upright standard letters is generated in each standard letter sorting exit.

The risk of a large letter being damaged during transport through the sorting system is significantly greater than the danger of a standard letter being damaged - with the same transport route via the same transport device at the same transport speed. The invention meets this boundary condition by first transporting all mail items, that is to say standard letters and large letters, via the first transport device TE .1 and only the standard letters being additionally transported via the second transport device TE .2.

The sorting system according to the solution can be used both for the disposal sorting and for the incoming sorting. Each mail item is first subjected to a departure sorting on its way from the place of delivery to the destination point and then to an incoming sorting. In the disposal sorting all postal items are sorted, which are within a certain period in the area of responsibility of a sorting center. Each sorting center forms a sorting destination when the goods are sorted. All postal items with destination points in the jurisdiction of a sorting center are transported to the destination sorting center after departure sorting.

In this destination sorting center an input sorting is performed. The mailpieces are z. B. distributed to the various delivery areas, which is carried out at this input sorting. It is also possible to specify an order among the destination points in this delivery area for each delivery area and to additionally sort the mail items after input sorting to this order ("delivery sequence") as in departure sorting.

In one embodiment, the sorting system according to the invention carries out a single sorting pass for all mailpieces to be sorted in the case of outgoing sorting and incoming sorting. This is possible if there are fewer sorting destinations than the sorting system has large letter sorting outputs and also fewer sorting blocks than the sorting system has standard letter sorting outputs. In order sorting, on the other hand, there are more sorting destinations than the sorting system has large letter sorting outputs. Therefore, the sorting system performs at least for the large letters two or even three sorting runs to bring the large letters in an order. After the last sorting run, a stack of sorted large letters has been generated in each large letter sorting output. The large letters with the same sorting feature value ("destination marking") occur immediately after one another in this batch.

Values in this stack depend on a given order among sort property values. One possible sorting method for order sorting requires that the large letter sorting system be emptied in a predetermined order after each but the last sorting pass in a predetermined order The mailpieces from the large letter sorting outputs will replay in a predetermined feed order For example, a "radix sort" is performed in which two sorting runs are carried out successively and a "refeed sequence" is observed.

Preferably, the sorting system has more standard letter sorting outputs than large letter sorting outputs. In one embodiment, there are at least as many standard letter sorting outputs as there are different sorting feature values for a sorting task. Therefore, the standard letters are distributed to the standard letter sorting outputs in a single sort run. Preferably, a sorting run for large letters and standard letters is performed and a subsequent second sorting run only for the large letters. This second sorting run can be carried out overlapping in time with a first sorting pass for further mailpieces.

In another embodiment, two sorting runs are also carried out for the standard letters. It is possible to use a different sorting algorithm for the standard letters than for the large letters, eg. In the tree sort, the set of sorting feature values occurring is broken down into groups so that each sorting feature value belongs to exactly one group. Each group is assigned a sorting output. In the first sorting pass, the standard letters are divided among the groups by the selection unit AE for a standard letter selecting the standard letter sorting output assigned to the grouping of the sorting feature value. In the second sorting run, the postal fertilizers are distributed one after the other to the sorting outputs. A certain feeding order after the first sorting cycle does not need to be kept. The sorting system can be adapted to these different sorting tasks solely by applying different sorting plans, that is, by software-only changes. It is not necessary to change the hardware of the sorting system.

As just stated, each mail item passes through a sorting system twice, namely once for sorting the outgoing goods and once for the incoming sorting. It is possible for a mail item to pass through the same sorting system twice in each case. In one embodiment, a machine-readable encoding for the deciphered destination marking is printed on each mail item in the first sorting run, z. The sorting system has a printer Dr

Large letter a line pattern imprinted, and another printer Dr .2, which prints on a standard letter a line pattern. This embodiment requires that the deciphering result be present before a large letter reaches the printer Dr .1 and a standard letter reaches the printer Dr .2. In a deviation, the sorting system has only one printer Dr .2 for standard letters. A large letter is identified by the values of several optically detectable features. Such a method has become known under the name "Fingerprint" or "Virtual ID".

In a further development of this embodiment, each printer Dr .1, Dr .2 can also print a unique identifier ("identifier bar code") on a mailpiece instead of a "sorting bar code" for the ascertained sorting feature value.

If a mail item reaches a printer Dr .1, Dr .2 without the sorting feature value of this mail item being present at this time, the printer Dr .1, Dr .2 prints a unique identifier on the mailpiece The mail item is ejected into a special sorting output The sorting feature value (here: target point identification) is determined by "off-line video coding". In a database, this sorting feature value is combined with the identifier stored. In a subsequent sorting run, a bar pattern reading device BCS .1, BCS .2 reads the identifier, and the stored sorting feature value is determined by a search request and used in this subsequent sorting pass.

In a further embodiment, the sorting system has only a single printer, which is arranged upstream of the switch W.l. The sorting feature value of a mail item to be sorted is only available in good time if the sorting feature value is determined when this mail item reaches this one printer.

The switch W.2 is designed to leave a standard letter either in the second transport device TE .2 or to direct it into the further transport device TE.w. The further transport device TE.w leads to Großbrief- Ausschleus-device Aus .1 and flows into the Einmündungs- point one in the Großbrief-Ausschleus device Aus .1 or in the first transport device TE .1 that the further transport device TE.w transports a standard letter upstream upstream of the first large-letter sorting exit to the first transport device TE .1. This further transport device TE.w is z. For example, it is used for the following transport tasks:

- Only the large letter rejection facility Aus .1 is able to eject a mail item into a special sorting output, but not the standard letter rejection facility Aus .2. If the delivery point marking of a standard letter can not be decoded in time, then this standard letter is transported via the further transport device TE.w back to the large letter rejection device Aus .1.

- Some or even all sorting feature values are only associated with one large letter sorting output, but no standard letter sorting output. For example, there are some or even all standard letter sorting outputs temporarily unavailable because they are being serviced, repaired or used for another sorting task. At least one stack is then generated in at least one large letter sorting output, which consists of mixed large letters and standard letters.

In one embodiment, the mailpieces are separated in advance for large letters and standard letters. First, the large letters go through the sorting system and then the standard letters - or vice versa. This embodiment makes it possible to use the further transport device TE.w as described above without having to produce a stream of spaced-apart mailpieces in the junction parts, which consists of large letters and standard letters ("merging").

Also, in order to switch the sorting system from the configuration described above into the configuration just described, only sorting plans have to be adapted. The hardware of the sor animal plant need not be changed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Reference sign Meaning

AE selector, automatically selects a sort output for each mail item

Off .1 Outfeed facility for large letters, loads the large letter sorting exits

Off .2 Outfeed facility for standard letters, loads the standard letter sorting outlets

BAE image evaluation unit

BCS.l, BCs.2 bar code scanner

Dr.1 printer which prints the large letters

Dr.2 printer, which prints the standard letters

A junction in which the further transport facility TE.w is placed in the Großbrief- Outlet facility Aus.l opens

Ka .1, Ka .2 cameras, each one computer analysable

Create an image of a mailpiece

SE control unit, controls u. a. the switches W.l,

W.2 and the discharge facilities Aus.l, Aus .2 on

SM.1 Quantity of standard letter sorting outputs, distributed over several levels

SM.2 Amount of large letter sorting outputs, in one

Plane arranged

St stack with large letters to be separated and

standard letters

TE .1 first transport facility, transported

Large letters and standard letters lead from the feeder ZE to the turnout W.l

TE .2 second transport device, transports only standard letters, leads from the switch W.l to the second out device Aus .2

TE. w further transport device, leads from the second transport device TE .2 to the first outfeed device Aus.l

Ver singler

W.1 switch, which directs a mail item either in the first Ausschleuseinrichtung Aus.l or in the second transport device TE .2

W.2 switch, which leaves a mail either in the second transport device TE .2 or in the further transport device TE.w redirects

ZE feeder ("feeder") with the Vereinzeier Ver

Claims

claims

1. sorting system for sorting articles according to a predetermined sorting feature,

wherein each item to be sorted belongs to either a first item type or a second item type,

the sorting system

- a measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE),

a data processing selection unit (AE),

a first transport device (TE.l),

a second transport device (TE.2),

a switch (W.l) having a first output and a second output,

a first discharge device (Aus.l),

a second discharge device (Aus.2),

a first set (SM.l) of sorting outputs and

a second set (SM.2) of sorting outputs

having ,

each sorting output of the first sorting output set

(SM.l) is able to pick up at least one item of the first item type,

each sorting output of the second sorting output set (SM.2) can in each case receive at least one article of the second article type,

in the first output of the switch (W.l) the first discharge device (Aus.l) and in the second output of the switch (W.l) the second transport device (TE.2) begins,

the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) is designed to automatically measure or otherwise determine which value the sorting feature assumes for an item to be sorted,

the selection unit (AE) is designed for each item to be sorted depending on the sorting feature

Value of the item to select one sort output each, the first transport device (TE.l) is designed to transport each item to be sorted to the switch (Wl),

the second transport means (TE.2) is adapted to each item to be sorted the second item type of the switch (W.l) to the second

To transport discharge device (Aus.2),

each outfeed device (Aus.l, Aus.2) is designed to a sorted article that has been transported to this discharge device (Aus.l, Aus.2),

- to transport to the selected sorting exit and

- auszuschleusen in this selected sorting output, the sorting system is configured to perform for each item to be sorted the steps that

the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) determines which value the sorting feature assumes for this object,

- the measuring device determines whether the object is covered by the

is the first object type or the second object type, and

the first transport device (TE.l) transports the article to the switch (W.l),

the sorting installation is further configured to store, for each item of the first object item to be sorted,

Kind of perform the steps that

- when the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has timely determined the sorting feature value,

the selection unit (AE) selects a sorting output of the first sorting output quantity (SM.l) as a function of the ascertained sorting feature value,

- the switch (W.l) the object in the first

Forwarding device (Aus.l) forwards and

the first outfeed device (Aus.l) discharges the object into the selected sorting exit, the sorting system is further configured to carry out the steps for each article of the second article type to be sorted the second transport device (TE.2) transports the article further,

if the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has timely determined the sorting feature value, the selection unit (AE) selects a sorting output as a function of the ascertained sorting feature value,

if the selected sorting output belongs to the second sorting output set (SM.2),

- The second transport device (TE.2) transported the object to the second discharge device (Aus.2) and

- The second reject device (Aus.2) eject the object in the selected sorting output.

Sorting plant according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the sorting system is designed so that

the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) determines the sorting feature value of an article of the first article type at least in good time,

if the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has determined the sorting feature value of this article at the latest when the article is the first rejection device

Reached (Aus.l), and

the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) determines the sorting feature value of an object of the second article type at least in good time,

if the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has determined the sorting feature value at the latest,

when the object reaches the second rejection device (Aus.2).

Sorting plant according to claim 1 or claim 2,

characterized in that

the sorting system is designed so that

the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has determined the sorting feature value of an object at least in good time, if the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has determined the sorting feature value so early,

that the selection unit (AE) is able to select the sorting output,

before the respective outfeed facility (Aus.l, Aus.2) has completed the transport of this item to this selected sorting exit.

Sorting system according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that

the sorting system additionally comprises at least one special sorting output and

the sorting system is designed to provide an item to be sorted when the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has not timely determined its sorting feature value,

in a special sorting out auszuschleusen.

Sorting plant according to one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized in that

the first sorting output set (SM.l) has fewer sorting outputs than the second sorting output set

(SM.2).

Sorting system according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that

the sorting plant another transport facility

(TE.W),

the further transport device (TE.W) is designed to transport an object to be sorted from the second transport device (TE.2) to the first outward transfer device (Aus.l),

at least one sorting output of the first sorting output set (SM.l) is able to receive at least one article of the second article type,

the sorting system can be operated in a mode in which the sorting system is adapted to perform the steps that the selection unit (AE) for an object of the second article type either a sorting output of the second sorting output set (SM.2) or a sorting output of the first sorting output set (SM.l) suitable for receiving this article of the second article type selects

the sorting system, if the selection unit (AE) has selected a sorting output of the first sorting output quantity (SM.l) for an article of the second item type to be sorted,

- The item from the first transport facility

(TE.l), the second transport device (TE.2) and the further transport device (TE.W) transported to the first discharge device (Aus.l) and

- The first ejection device (Aus.l) eject the object in the selected sorting output.

Sorting plant according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the sorting system has a special sorting output and

the sorting system is designed to

if the measuring device (Ka.l, Ka.2, BAE) has not timely determined the sorting feature value of an article of the second article type,

- To transport the object using the further transport device (TE.w) to the first discharge device (Aus.l) and

- By means of the first discharge device (Aus.l) auszuschleusen in a special sorting output.

Sorting system according to one of claims 1 to 7,

characterized in that

each sorting output of the first sorting output set (SM.l) is capable of accommodating each article item of the first item type to be sorted and each article item of the second item type to be sorted, and each sorting output of the second item set (SM.2) is capable of receiving each article item of the second item type to be sorted.

Sorting plant according to one of claims 1 to 8,

characterized in that

an order is given among the occurring sorting feature values and

the sorting system is further configured to produce in the selectable sorting outputs of the second sorting output quantity (SM.2) a sequence among the articles of the second article type to be sorted,

that the order of the objects in this sequence corresponds to the predetermined order of values,

wherein the sorting system generates in each selectable sorting output of the second sorting output set (SM.2) a sequence of articles sorted in accordance with the value order.

Sorting plant according to one of claims 1 to 9,

characterized in that

the sorting outputs of the second sorting output quantity (SM.2)

distributed on at least two levels.

11. sorting method for sorting a plurality of items according to a predetermined sorting feature,

each item to be sorted being either a first item type or a second item item.

Sort of belongs,

for sorting a sorting plant is used

the sorting system used

a first transport device (TE.l),

a second transport device (TE.2),

- a switch (W.l) with at least two outputs,

a first discharge device (Aus.l),

a second discharge device (Aus.2), a first set of sorting outputs (SM.l),

a second set of sorting outputs (SM.2)

having ,

the method comprising the steps of

that for every item to be sorted

measured or otherwise determined which value the given sorting feature assumes for this item,

measured or otherwise determined whether the article is of the first article type or of the second article type, and

the first transport device (TE.l) transports the article to the switch (W.l),

continue to be performed for each item of the first item type the steps that

- the switch (W.l) the object in the first

Diverting device (Aus.l) directs,

if the sorting feature value for the object has been determined in good time, depending on the sorting feature value, a sorting output of the first is automatically obtained

Sorting outputs quantity (SM.l) is selected and

the first outfeed device (Aus.l) ejects the object into the selected sorting output of the first sorting output set (SM.l) and

continue for each item of the second item

Kind of steps are done that

- the switch (W.l) deflects the object into the second transport device (TE.2),

- The second transport device (TE.2) transported the object and

if the sorting feature value for the object has been determined in good time, a sorting output is selected as a function of the ascertained sorting feature value, and

continue for each item of the second item

Type if a sorting output of the second sorting output quantity (SM.2) is selected for this object, - The second transport device (TE.2) transports the object to the second discharge device (Aus.2) and

the second outfeed device (Aus.2) discharges the object into the selected sorting output of the second sorting output set (SM.2).

.Sortierverfahren according to claim 11,

characterized in that

- the sorting system used has a further transport device (TE.w),

the used sorting system is switched at least once into a disconnected mode and is switched at least once into a mixing mode,

in the disconnected mode for each item of the second item type, when the sorting feature value is timely determined, a sorting output of the second sorting output quantity (SM.2) is always selected and

in the mixing mode for each article of the second article type, if the sorting feature value is determined in time, either a sorting output of the first sorting output quantity (SM.l) or a sorting output of the second sorting output quantity (SM.2) is selected and

when a sorting output of the first sorting output set (SM.l) is selected in the mixing mode for an item to be sorted,

- The object of the second article type using the second transport device (TE.2) and the further transport device (TE.w) to the first discharge device (Aus.l) is transported and

- Is discharged from the first outfeed device (Aus.l) in the selected sorting output of the first sorting outputs quantity (SM.l).

.Sortierverfahren according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that

if a sorting output of the first sorting output set (SM.l) was selected for an object of the second article type,

- The object is transported using the second transport device (TE.2) to the first discharge device (Aus.l) and

the first outfeed device (Aus.l) ejects the object into the selected sorting output of the first sorting output set (SM.l).